Session 5: Pay and Progress

Pay and advancement are among the top concerns for our members and yesterday we presented Dow Jones representatives with our proposal to bring more transparency to the process for both. 

We outlined a plan for adjustments to the job tiers and minimum pay scales in several job categories to better align with how members are currently paid. The most significant change we presented is for a 12-year career path for reporters with an automatic progression towards the senior special writer title and clear stepups in pay along the way.

The company said it would review our recommended measures for giving employees more certainty around pay raises and career progress. We expect further discussion before we reach an agreement on the minimum scales and pathway for advancement we’ve proposed. 

As we have passed the June 30 deadline for our contract we want to remind members that we are now operating under the 60-day automatic extension, which means the current agreement will be in place until the end of August. In the past, the union and company have usually agreed to allow the terms to continue after the extension period while we work out a deal. 

We are still working on a final presentation for the annual compensatory increases guaranteed in our contract and understand the importance of the yearly pay bump to our members. The bargaining committee appreciates your support as we continue to push for a contract that offers long-term security. 

Our next negotiating session is Tuesday, July 9, in Princeton where we will hear a presentation on the company’s second proposal. 

Have a great Fourth, and if you are working, don’t forget to file for holiday pay.